How to Dress for Every Type of Headshot

As a Seattle headshot photographer, I work with lots of different small business owners and entrepreneurs across many professions.  When it’s time to update your business headshots, you want to represent yourself well and to connect with your customer and you want to look your best.  I am here to help you figure out how to dress for your headshots.

Your wardrobe is an immediate visual clue on how you are presenting yourself to the world.  To a certain extent, how you dress for your business headshots is very industry dependent.  So no matter what industry you are dressing for, there are some specific and also universal wardrobe guidelines to look your very best. Here are my top tips on how to dress for every type of headshot.

Group of business women in upscale dress in a retail store

Corporate or formal office environment. Buttoned up with a dash of your own flair.

If you are in a more formal business environment, you will want to choose muted neutral colors.  Think navy blue, grey, khaki, blacks and whites.  Well tailored clothing that works well on your frame help you look trustworthy, reliable and serious.  Depending on how open your particular company is, you can always add a little of your own personality with pops of color in a blouse, a tie or in a fun pair of socks.  You will also want to make sure if we are going to be seeing your feet, you have a pair of business well made leather shoes as well.  Make sure you show up to your session with clothing that is fully pressed to add to your buttoned up appearance.

professional woman on steps in conservative dress with portfolio

Casual, Tech & Creative Businesses, Small business owners. Let your personal style shine!

You have a lot more leeway for your wardrobe in these types of businesses.  You still want to look professional and buttoned up but you can do this in a more casual way.  Some great ideas for this type of headshot would be.  A fun blouse with jeans or slacks, a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans, a nice sweater with a button down underneath it. 

I love a blouse with an interesting neckline.  Since most headshots are basically chest up, a beautiful classic neckline is a lovely way to frame your face.  I would generally avoid turtlenecks as they can be a visual stopping point. You can really let your personal style shine in this scenario.

two men dressed business casual one leaning on staircase, one sitting on stairs

Health care providers, Uniforms. Professional and Trustworthy.

If you work in these types of fields, you want to project professionalism, and trustworthiness. Wearing your uniform helps to create that environment of trust with your potential clients.  Lab coats, shirts with your company logo or scrubs can all help to project your knowledge and expertise.

orthodontist office women dressed in black scrubs on driftwood

Other tips for wardrobe success

Early preparation is KEY to success!

Make sure everything fits well! This one seems obvious, but if you haven’t worn that blazer since last year, try it on before your session date to make sure it still works!

  • Textures are amazing visually.  Leather, denim, metallics (industry dependent)  Wool suits, tweeds, chunky knits.

  • Layers also add visual interest.

  • Patterns are great, but make sure they are not overwhelming or distracting. Ask me if you have questions on this.

  • Jewelry is great, but keep it simple to keep the focus on your face and not the accessory.

  • Steer clear of logos (unless they are part of your company and needed in your headshot)

  • Show up with options so we have plenty to work with.

  • Insure that everything is clean, free of tears, is well fitting, pressed and ready to go. Do this before your session!

  • If we are doing full body shots, make sure you have shoes that work well with your outfit.

Shannon Garbaccio